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Nights in Scotland, the West coast,
Highlands and Islands, on a superb scenic &
whisky tour.
Driving the
beautiful scenic roads, passing sleeping
mountains, lochs and glens tasting the
"water of life" and visiting distilleries in
Perthshire and Islay. Check it out;
www.mcleanscotland.com/classiccartour.asp
NEWS ITEM 10 JULY 2008; well, it's
not really a news item, more of a comment.
(Paul) I was on tour with a couple of very
nice Australians, mainly a whisky tour for a
few days where they stayed at Pitlochry and
I took them around a few distilleries and
some scenic touring. As we were going to
visit Glenfiddich I though I would wear my
black Glenfiddich shirt, goes well with the
green kilt, it went down very well aye,
except when we later the same day paid a
visit to Glenlivet! i did get the Michael
taken out of me there, especially as I am
going back next month for a 3 day whisky
school! Och well. |
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Organise a Scotch Whisky Tasting of
your own ... it's easy
Tasting Scotch Whisky is an experience involving
all five senses. And to help compare different
whiskies, there are some general steps that can be
followed.
What to taste?
There are many ways to approach a Scotch Whisky
tasting, for example, tasting whiskies of different
ages, from different regions, or those matured in
different casks. This is all part of the fun and
discovery. Need some help? call us ...
Select a suitable glass
A tulip-shaped glass will help to compare different
whiskies by trapping the aromas in the bottom and
releasing them in the small area at the top of the
glass. Whisky is also often enjoyed from a tumbler,
particularly if drunk with water or as a long drink.
Use your eyes
Hold up the glass up against a neutral background.
What you see is important, as colour can give clues
about the age of the whisky and the type of cask
used for maturation. The colour comes from the
whisky sitting in the cask over years, ebbing and
flowing in and out of the wood.
Check the legs - no, not your own!
Swirl the whisky around the glass, coating its sides
thoroughly. Then wait and watch, as the liquid runs
back down the side of the glass, the 'legs' of the
whisky. If the 'legs' are thin and run quickly, then
it may be a younger or lighter whisky. If the 'legs'
are slow and thick, then it may be a heavier or
older whisky.
Next the nose
Confirm your assumptions and discover more about the
dram using your nose. Indeed, a master distiller
will use his nose alone to make judgements about a
whisky. Don't worry if it proves difficult to
describe the aroma – scientists have discovered a
wide range of flavours in whisky and different
people will pick up different aromas. With a little
practice, it becomes easier. Liz and Paul have
"nosed" whisky, to be honest we can smell one or two
and thats it! All these experts smelling up to
7 or 8 smells, och come on guys!
Add some water
After 'nosing' the whisky, try adding a little still
water, then use your nose again. The water will
reduce the alcohol content, and raises the
temperature slightly releasing more of the whisky's
flavours – and you will see this happening in your
glass.
And now, finally, taste
Sip the whisky and allow it to lie on the tongue and
coat the sides of your mouth. You might pick out
different flavours to those you were aware of using
your nose. Roll the spirit around so that it comes
into contact with all your taste buds, sweetness at
the tip of the tongue, saltiness along the sides,
dryness and bitterness at the back. The wonderful
flavours will develop, unfolding in the mouth. Ask
yourself what flavours you are experiencing and how
the whisky feels in your mouth. Does the flavour
last a long time or does it disappear quickly? This
is the whisky's finish.
So what did you taste?
Well, there is no right or wrong answer. Everyone
and every whisky is different. That is why tasting
Scotch Whisky is such an enjoyable and rewarding
individual experience.
Also remember that when tasting different whiskies,
always do so responsibly. Scotch Whisky is a drink
to be sipped and savoured. Have water available –
this will cleanse the palate and can be interspersed
between trying different whiskies. DON'T DRINK AND
DRIVE!
OR COME TO ONE OF
OURS IN SCOTLAND!
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